Music Education (MMEd)

Application Deadlines

Entering Spring

Priority Deadline – October 15
Applications are reviewed as they are received and applicants are encouraged to apply by this date for the first priority for admission and scholarship opportunities.

Standard Deadline – December 1
Applications will be reviewed and considered for remaining scholarship funds available. Applications submitted after this date are welcome and reviewed for admission and scholarships as cohort space and scholarship funds permit.

Entering Fall

Priority Deadline – March 15
Applications are reviewed as they are received and applicants are encouraged to apply by this date for the first priority for admission and scholarship opportunities.

Standard Deadline – June 1
Applications will be reviewed and considered for remaining scholarship funds available. Applications submitted after this date are welcome and reviewed for admission and scholarships as cohort space and scholarship funds permit.

Note: The standard deadline for the fall 2020 semester has been extended to July 31.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

Applicants must possess:

• Bachelor’s degree in music from an NASM-accredited university or conservatory by the date of entrance
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5–2.99 may be considered for provisional admission.

Applicants must submit:

• Graduate application for admission
• $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
  
  
  An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
• Résumé or statement of experience including academic experience and employment in the music field and professional organizations. Performance majors, please include a repertory list of major performance areas.
• Letter of intent (500-1,000 words) addressed to the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies that answers the following questions:
• Please share your interest in studying music as it relates to your emphasis (conducting, performance, composition, music education) at APU.
• What are your career goals, and how would this degree assist you?
• Share a significant experience with a work of music.
• What is your understanding on the relationship between music and religion?
• Two letters of recommendation: one from an academic and/or professional source, and one from a personal source (no family members).

Send official transcripts to:

Application is not complete without:

• Complete an entrance exam to qualify for admission. Contact Alisa Barsegyan at [email protected] for requirements.
• Submit a statement of purpose and statement of philosophy, and schedule an interview with the director of graduate music education. View the submission requirements below for more information.

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
• Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
• Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
• Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

See the tables below for the tuition charges and fees that comprise your estimated total program cost.

View a complete list of university fees.

Paying for Your Program

APU offers a variety of ways to help you pay for your graduate program. From scholarships and grants, to loans and company reimbursement, we're committed to being sure that cost doesn't keep you from reaching your educational goals.

Learn more about the financial aid opportunities available to you.

• Scholarship, Grant, and Loan Options
• Payment Policies
• Making Payments
• Apply for Aid

Scholarships are available in all disciplines.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Program Requirements

Admission to the Master of Music Education degree program is through successful completion of: (1) purpose and philosophy statements and (2) program admission interview with John Burdett, EdD, director of graduate music education.

1. Following the prompts below, answer the questions in 4-6 double-spaced pages and send the Statement of Purpose and Statement of Philosophy responses directly to John Burdett at [email protected]
   • Statement of Purpose. Answer the following questions in 2-3 pages: Why are you pursuing graduate study in music education? How have your previous experiences in music education prepared you for graduate study? What excites you about the nature of music learning? In what aspect of music learning would you like to focus during your graduate study?
   • Statement of Philosophy: Answer the following questions in 2-3 pages: What is music? What is music good for? Why is music worth learning? Why is music worth learning in school? Who should learn music?
2. Schedule the program admission interview by contacting the School of Music at (626) 815-3848 or [email protected]. This interview may be completed in person or through videoconference.

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Additional Program Contact

Alisa Barsegyan, [email protected], (626) 387-5725

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or [email protected], and visit apu.edu/international/.

• Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
• A degree from Azusa Pacific University is respected and recognized internationally, and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).